Crater lakes trip

27.11.08
We set out on the crater lakes walking tour on Sunday. The lakes started at 20 kilometers out of the town. We arrived at a project and were treated to traditional dancing by a troop (The Club) of mixed age children. Their enthusiasm and energy was amazing. It was quite a treat. The next day we were taken to a local market and then to an eco camp site (very basic but very friendly). Our guide Moses was terrific. He explained everything. We were fascinated by the whole thing. The countryside is almost completely full of very small subsistence farms with people everywhere. From the project we were taken to a smart lodge and we had lunch on the veranda over looking a crater lake. It was stunning. Then on another walk to a Mahumba Falls. Whilst sitting for a few minutes to cool on feet in the water, Moses noticed our packs had gone. It seems that someone had reached them with a long stick with a hook end. The packs were only a few feet from us and no-one was around. Apparently they crawled into a hole nearby. Moses was so upset. He rushed around with no success. We walked back to the local huts and the woman elder was indignant and she and about 12 or 15 men went off to try to find the culprits.. After about an hour and a half, with lots of people watching us and trying to talk to us, it was becoming dark and we were getting worried, when they came back with the bags some of the men had found in the forest. The scene when we were closely surrounded by a large group of people whilst we checked to see what was missing was rather scary. Unfortunately Jane's camera, her expensive rain jacket, many of our pills and other thingss were missing. Moses told us they would have seriously injured the culprits if they had caught them. Moses had arranged a lift back to the camp site. Thank goodness. The next day another walk took us to Ruiga Beach, a project by a crater lake. The service was poor but we had a nice evening until Ken developed very severe diarrohea. After a very bad night we taken back early to Fort Portal. An amazing three days.

Kampala

19.11.08 We're here! What a welcome. The immigration official thanked us for coming to Uganda. No questions, just a warm welcome and then a straightforward taxi journey to our hotel which is fine. It even has a swimming pool. Our first day was spent getting our bearings in Kampala sorting out currency and phones, etc. Very crowded but no hasle at all, and things were easier than we thought.
21.11.08 We arrived in Fort Portal today following a five hour bus journey. The bus was quite an expereince. It was due to leave Kampala at 8 but clearly it wasn't going anywhere until all the places were filled. It was crowded with masses of bags on board but not too uncomfortable. We passed many villages where lots of people were sitting outside very basic looking structures. The bus rattled along at quite incredible speed given its condition and when we stopped at midday we ate fried banana and chappati from someone by the wayside. We felt we had really started our journey. The contrast could not have been greater when we arrived at our hotel which is extremely luxurious, with hardly anyone staying but lots of people to wait on us. It is extremly beautiful with magnificent grounds with a view over the mountains and an excellent swimming pool. We know this level of luxury can't last as it is too expensive but we're enjoying it for a few days before heading off on a 4 day walking trek with a guide to see the local crater lakes, staying in bandas (small huts) and a campground.